Comparison of Different Content of Cd and Sb Element on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties of As-Cast AZ31 Magnesium Alloy

Abstract:

Article Preview

The effect of Cd and Sb addition on the microstructural and mechanical properties of as-cast AZ31 alloys was investigated and compared. The results indicate that the difference of Sb and Cd in the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast AZ31 magnesium alloy is significant. Addition of 0.15%Sb (mass fraction) to AZ31 alloy can refine the matrix and β-Mg17Al12 phase but not form a new phase Mg3Sb2. Oppositely, by addition of 0.3-0.7% Cd to AZ31 alloy, Cd was dissolved into the AZ31 alloy, the phase composition did not change but was refined also. Accordingly, the Cd-refined AZ31 alloy exhibits higher tensile and impact toughness and Brinell hardness properties than the Sb- refined one. The difference of Sb and Cd in the mechanical properties is possibly related to the solid solution of Cd into the matrix and formation of Mg3Sb2 which has the same close-packed hexagonal structure as α-Mg.

Abstract: The effect of the rare earth (RE) element Y on the microstructure and hardness of (Mg–0.5Zn–0.5Zr–2.8Nd –1.5Gd) wt% Mg alloy investigated. 1 wt. % Y was added and compared with the base alloy. The microstructure results show the refinement of the grain by the addition of Y and the grains became smaller about 31.8 % and the volume fraction was increases 11.1% %, which led to the increment of hardness from 48.33 HV (as-cast EV31A) to 53.71 HV (as-cast EV31A +1 Y). Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the base alloy mainly contained α-Mg matrix and Mg-(Nd, Gd) as a second phase crystallized along the grain boundaries and addition of (Y) yttrium resulted in the formation of the new phase, Mg-Zn-Y-phase was found as a new ternary phase, where Y combined with the original second phase.

Abstract: In this paper, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-cast and heat treatment of Mg-Zn-Nd alloy was investigated. The alloy was manufactured by a conventional casting method, and then subjected to a heat treatment. The results showed that the microstructure of as-cast alloy was comprised of α-Mg matrix and Mg12Nd phase. With increase of Nd content, the grain size gradually decreased from 25.38 μm to 9.82 μm. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation at room temperature of the Mg94Zn2Nd4 alloy can be reached to 219.63 MPa and 5.31%. After heat treatment, part of the second phase dissolved into the magnesium matrix and the grain size became a little larger than that of the as-cast. The ultimate tensile strength was declined by about 2.5%, and the elongation was increased to 5.47%.